Water Quality in Protivin, IA: 1 Violation — Grade F
Grade F · Score 36/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Protivin's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Protivin, IA have accumulated 1 EPA violation across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Protivin
Water quality varies across Protivin's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52163 | F | 36 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Protivin, Iowa receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 36 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Protivin have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 269 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Protivin's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Protivin water systems is 0.0142 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Protivin has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Protivin is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Protivin
Protivin is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 269 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Protivin. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Protivin
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Protivin. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-03-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-01-18 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-03-13.
Protivin vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Protivin's water quality compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protivin | F | 1 | 1 | 269 |
| Holland | C | 0 | 1 | 270 |
| Malcom | C | 0 | 1 | 270 |
| Lakota | C | 1 | 1 | 267 |
Common Questions About Protivin Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Protivin, Iowa:
Is Protivin water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Protivin's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Protivin tap water? Protivin's water receives a grade of F (36/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Protivin? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Protivin vs. Iowa Average
Understanding how Protivin compares to the broader Iowa average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Protivin.
ZIP Codes in Protivin
Protivin spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 52163. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.